Five Players Arsenal Needs To Sign in the January Transfer Window

With long term injuries to Tomas Rosicky, Nikolas Bendtner, Robin Van Persie, Kieran Gibbs, and Johan Djourou and short term injuries frequently occurring to other players; Wenger needs to seriously think about spending some money to reinforce the Gunners.

While I do not expect him to spend a lot, there are a few quality players that he could get without breaking the bank.

1. Hugo Lloris

Current Club: Lyon
Position: Goalie

While Manuel Almunia is not an awful keeper, he is not the kind of quality that belongs at a top Premier League club.

A suitable replacement for him would be French international Hugo Lloris. Despite only being 22-years-old, he has already racked up three years of steady first team appearances at both Nice and Lyon. In addition to club experience, Lloris also has national team experience with France and would be a great addition for Arsenal.

2. Mamadou Sakho

Current Club: Paris Saint-Germain
Position: Defender

At 17, Sakho is currently PSG’s youngest captain. He can play midfielder or ball-playing center half. Not only is he talented, but young and full of potential, something Wenger loves to see in a player. While he has attracted the scouts of Manchester United, Liverpool and Chelsea, the Sakho could be acquired by Arsenal for about £12m.

3. Blaise Matuidi

Current Club: St Etienne
Position: Midfielder

The St Etienne midfielder has been consistently linked with the Gunners throughout the past two transfer windows but recently inked a new deal with Les Verts after sporting director Damien Comolli made it clear they won’t let their star man leave for cheap.

Matuidi plays with high levels of energy levels and is tenacious in the tackle and a good distributor of the ball. Like Sakho, Matuidi is valued around £12m.

4. Marouane Chamakh

Current Club: Bordeaux
Position: Forward

The Bordeaux striker has made no secret of his desire to play in the Premier League and is known to have nearly sealed a deal with the Gunners in the summer before Arsene Wenger reneged on his advances.

A fast, fleet-footed operator Chamakh isn’t likely to score countless goals, he is still dangerous in front of the net and would contribute to an Arsenal attack that has begun to look flat after the loss of Van Persie. At 6'2" with a great spring he is a danger with his head. In addition his goals in the Champions League this year have proved him deadly in one-on-one situations. £10m should secure him from Bordeaux.

5. Ryan Babel

Current Club: Liverpool
Position: Midfield

Gifted, able to play on either wing, surprisingly powerful and speedy, Babel has been compared many times to Thierry Henry.

Babel's recent complaints about life at Anfield suggest that he may be willing to a move to the Gunners. Liable to be sold on by Rafa Benitez in January, Wenger will be tempted to buy Babel at a bargain price.

Conclusion

If Arsenal hopes to end its trophy drought, they need to bring in reinforcements. I have been an Arsenal fan long enough to know that Wenger is going to go out and spend a lot of money in order to bring in talent. While I would love to see Luis Suarez or Edin Dzeko come play for the Gunners, I know it is not going to happen. However, I do hope that Wenger decides to finally spend some money in order to bring new players to the Emirates.